PHARMACEUTICAL giant Johnson & Johnson has introduced a personal motoring scheme option for its 1,200 company car drivers. The health care product manufacturer has offered drivers a cash alternative to their company cars since 1993, but has experienced a low take-up, despite the fact that 500 of its staff have so-called 'perk' cars.

The new scheme was launched in July, and since then 15 drivers have opted for the PCP. Malcolm Williams, Johnson & Johnson's European business director, said few company car drivers knew the benefit tax they paid on their vehicles, and added that between 30% and 40% of the firm's drivers actually contributed more money to access a better car when the company introduced its more flexible fleet policy six years ago.

'Every employee has a comfort factor in having a company car, and that has a value,' he said. 'We want to give the PCP scheme the look and feel of a company car, including a guaranteed cost maintenance package, insurance and accident management.' Johnson & Johnson will run its PCP scheme through its in-house leasing company, in conjunction with PHH Vehicle Management, and Williams promised a 'softly-softly' approach to its roll-out.